Sheriff | Contra Costa Herald

Contra Costa Sheriff seeks man in parental Deprivation of Custody case

September 9, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Jahkai Smith

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff are investigating a Deprivation of Custody case.

A relative was recently awarded temporary guardianship of 3-year-old Jahkai Smith by the Contra Costa Superior Court. The child’s father, 25-year-old Jahron Smith, has ignored the court order and refused to turn over the child. Jakhai is considered to be at risk due to age.

Descriptions:

Jahkai Smith – Male, 3′ tall, 50 pounds, black hair and brown eyes.

Jahron Najee Smith – Male, 5’11”, 155 pounds, brown hair and brown eyes. Jahron may be in the Bay Point or Antioch areas and has ties to Oakland.

Anyone who has information on the whereabouts of Jahkai or Jahron is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 383-9795. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Oroville man, woman arrested for Lafayette bank robbery

September 9, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Robert Keith Dennis

The alleged suspect in the bank robbery that occurred at the U.S. Bank branch in Lafayette on August 23, 2016 was arrested. He is identified as 55-year-old Robert Keith Dennis of Oroville.

During the investigation, Lafayette police detectives, assisted by the FBI, determined the alleged suspect may be tied to a series of recent bank robberies in Northern California. Bank robberies involving a similar suspect were also being investigated by police in Brentwood, Napa, Roseville, and Sacramento. The Davis Police Department was also investigating an attempted bank robbery allegedly by the same suspect.

On Wednesday, August 31, 2016, an officer with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office saw a law enforcement bulletin with a picture of the alleged bank robbery suspect and was able to identify him as Dennis. He was already in custody in Butte County Jail for a drug violation.

On Thursday, September 1, 2016, Lafayette police detectives served arrest and search warrants at several locations in Oroville. They were assisted by the Napa Police Department, Oroville Police Department and Butte County Sheriff’s Office. Police arrested 47-year-old Elizabeth Fay Morse of Oroville after Napa police detectives were able to confirm her alleged involvement in some the robberies.

Dennis and Morse are currently being held at the Butte County Jail.

Morse was arrested on a Ramey Warrant for robbery and conspiracy. She is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail and will be transferred to Contra Costa County.

Dennis is in custody on unrelated felony drug charges. When he is released from Butte County Jail, he will be arrested on a Ramey Warrant and will be transferred to Contra Costa County.

Sheriff’s Office seeks suspect in lewd conduct incident in Alamo

September 3, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in a lewd conduct incident that recently occurred at the Safeway grocery store at the Alamo Plaza Shopping Center in Alamo.

On August 22, 2016 at about 9:07 PM, an adult female shopping in the store was followed by a man she did not recognize. At one point, this person masturbated next to the woman in the store aisle. When the woman turned toward the man and questioned him, he quickly left the store.

Please see the video and pictures of the suspect. The video can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se9JqsHV7Iw

He is described as a white male, early 20’s, dark hair, wearing a purple colored top, dark pants and carrying a backpack.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone who can identify this suspect or has any information on this incident is asked to immediately contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Deputy Sheriff’s Association thanks man for help in subduing Orinda robbery suspect

September 3, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

From the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff’s Assocation Facebook page.

The DSA was recently made aware of the below incident that occurred in the the City of Orinda, which is patrolled by Deputy Sheriffs. I am sharing this story with you to show Mr. Dewitt our appreciation, not to encourage the citizens of Contra Costa County to put themselves in danger. That being said, Mr. Dewitt thank you for being there for one of our brothers.

August 25, 2016

Mr. Jason Dewitt,

On the afternoon of August 19, 2016, Orinda police officers attempted to contact a subject that had just committed a theft from a local retailer. Officer Ladner began to chase the subject on foot through the Theater Square shopping center. As Officer Ladner closed the distance between himself and the suspect, the suspect decided he would rather fight with Officer Ladner. Rather than continue to run away or comply with Officer Ladner’s lawful orders to stop running and cooperate, the suspect turned around and assaulted Officer Ladner by punching him in the face.

Officer Ladner then engaged in a violent struggle with the suspect, the suspect continuing to physically resist and conceal his hands beneath his body. Officer Ladner was only able to apply his handcuffs to one of the suspect’s hands and was fighting with the suspect, attempting to gain control of the second hand and place him in handcuffs. It was at this point, while enjoying coffee at a nearby restaurant, that you heard the struggle and Officer Ladner’s commands to the suspect.

With complete disregard for your own safety, you approached Officer Ladner; actively fighting with the suspect, and asked if he needed help. Officer Ladner stated, “Yes.” Without hesitation you assisted Officer Ladner in gaining control of the suspect’s free hand and successfully placed him in handcuffs. Your assistance prevented further injury to Officer Ladner. Furthermore, without your assistance, the suspect’s continued fighting and resistance would have likely resulted in Officer Ladner having to escalate his own use of force. Your assistance prevented the escalation of force and likely prevented injury to the suspect.

The actions you took were nothing less than selfless and courageous. You took these actions not knowing if the suspect was armed with a weapon. Additionally, you took these actions not knowing that the suspect you were helping to detain had a long and violent criminal history. The Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association could never express how sincerely grateful we are for your assistance. Your actions are an incredible reminder of our community’s appreciation and support for our services.

Best Regards,

Shawn Welch

President

Contra Costa CASE Team makes arrests, seizure of guns, money, drugs, ammo in Pittsburg

August 30, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

photo courtesy of Contra Costa County Sheriff.

Following an investigation, members of the CASE (Contra Costa County Anti-Violence Support Effort) Team executed a search warrant on Wednesday, August 25, 2016 in the 3600 block of Olympia Circle in Pittsburg. Inside the residence, CASE found nearly a pound of methamphetamine (worth approximately $10,000), four firearms, approximately 150 rounds of various calibers of ammunition, digital scales, hundreds of small plastic bags used in the sales of controlled substances, and over $5,000 in U.S. currency.

The CASE Team arrested 41-year-old Leopoldo Fernandez and 41-year-old Jeanna Gomez, both of Pittsburg. They were booked into county jail on numerous drug and firearms related violations, including felon in possession of a firearm. Fernandez is being held in lieu of $615,000 bail: Gomez’s bail is set at $165,000.

The CASE Team is a joint effort by the Office of the Sheriff, California Department of Justice, California Highway Patrol, Pittsburg Police Department, and Walnut Creek Police Department. CASE was created in November 2011 as a collaborative effort to reduce violent crimes in Contra Costa, especially those related to illegal firearms.

Statues, other items stolen in residential burglary in Martinez recovered, arrest made

August 30, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff have recovered most items that were taken during two burglaries that occurred at a home on Alhambra Valley Road in unincorporated Martinez, last month.

Following the burglaries, the Investigation Division received several anonymous email tips and voice messages on the tip line indicating the location of the stolen property. Detectives went to the location finding numerous bronze statues, whiskey decanters, and other items that were stolen from the residence. Several photos of the recovered items are attached.

Detectives subsequently executed three search warrants at locations in the El Sobrante area finding more stolen items.

Detectives arrested 49-year-old Charles Somers of San Pablo for possession of stolen property in connection with the burglaries. In addition, Somers, a parolee, is being held on a parole violation. Somers is currently in custody at the county jail without bail.

The investigation into the burglaries is continuing. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2661.

For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over national safety campaign begins Friday, runs through Labor Day

August 18, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

On Labor Day weekend many will be celebrating the end of the summer. Sadly, this holiday has also become a dangerous time on America’s roads, as many impaired drivers get behind the wheel after celebrating. For this reason, the Contra Costa County Avoid the 25 anti-DUI task force is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) to stop impaired drivers and help save lives. The high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, runs August 19 – September 5, 2016.

The Avoid the 25 will deploy numerous anti-DUI saturation patrols throughout the county to stop and arrest impaired drivers during this end of summer 18-day crackdown. The Lafayette Police Department will host a DUI/Drivers license checkpoint in Lafayette on Thursday, September 1, 2016. Other operations in Contra Costa include a DUI warrant/probation sweep and a court-sting targeting suspended drivers who were ordered by a judge not to drive, but continue to get behind the wheel.

According to NHSTA, on average, over 10,000 people died each year (2010 to 2014) in drunk-driving crashes nationwide. During the 2014 Labor Day holiday weekend (6 p.m. August 29 – 5:59 a.m. September 2), 40 percent of the fatalities in traffic crashes involved drunk drivers, which was the highest percentage over the five years from 2010 to 2014. And nighttime proves to be the most dangerous time to be out on the roads: During the 2014 Labor Day holiday period, 83 percent of drunk-driving crash fatalities occurred between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m.

Additionally, 40 percent of crash fatalities on Labor Day weekend in 2014 involved drunk drivers (with blood alcohol concentrations [BACs] of .08 or higher), amounting to 162 lives lost nationwide and 20 in California. And we’re not just talking about a little bit of alcohol, either. More than a quarter (28%) of the crash fatalities that occurred on Labor Day weekend involved drivers with BACs of .15 or higher—almost twice the illegal limit.

The Avoid the 25 reminds everyone:

Plan a safe way home before the fun begins. Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby establishments that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver. The feature-packed app has social media tie-ins and even a tab to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.
If you know someone who is about to drive or ride a motorcycle while impaired, take your friend’s keys and help your friend make other arrangements to get to where he or she is going safely

As the summer winds to an end, remember that there’s no excuse for impaired driving. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Funding for the Avoid the 25 program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Contra Costa Sheriff warns of scam – suspect impersonating police officer

August 15, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff would like to call your attention to a scam. Although it is not anything new, it pops up every now and then and usually targets the elderly. Fortunately, the victim in the most recent case last week did not suffer any loss.

The suspect impersonates a Deputy Sheriff and tells people that they have missed jury duty and there is a warrant for their arrest.

The suspect goes on to say the warrant could be cleared by making a “green dot” payment at various local drug stores. There were two phone numbers associated with this scam and they have set up an automated voice message claiming to be the Sheriff’s Office. In another variation of this scam, the suspect tells people they have unpaid parking tickets that can be cleared by purchasing prepaid debit cards at stores.

These are scams. The Office of the Sheriff does not have people pay fines or fees by through reloadable prepaid cards. Furthermore, the public is never contacted in this way.

Anyone receiving such a call should refuse to provide any personal information to the caller or simply hang up. Please contact your local law enforcement agency and notify them of the incident.

Thank you for sharing this post with others.

Blackhawk man arrested, Monday for murder of wife, Sunday

August 11, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Homicide detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff arrested 69-year-old John Tercheria on Monday, August 8 in connection with the death of his wife in Blackhawk, on Sunday. Tercheria was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for murder. He is currently being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

At about 4:10 p.m. on Sunday, August 7, 2016, Deputy Sheriffs responded to a suspicious circumstance at a home on the 4300 block of Quail Run Lane in Blackhawk. Deputies arrived on scene and found a 69-year-old woman, who was later pronounced deceased. A homicide investigation was launched. The woman is identified as 69-year-old Linda Marie Tercheria, wife of suspect John Tercheria. They both resided at that home.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Office of the Sheriff at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or to call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Burgis endorsed by DA Peterson, Sheriff Livingston, firefighters and deputy sheriffs in campaign for Supervisor

August 10, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Today, East Bay Regional Park District Director Diane Burgis, candidate for Contra Costa County Supervisor in District Three, earned the enthusiastic endorsement of the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association, Antioch Police Officers Association, Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston and District Attorney Mark Peterson, as well as the endorsement recommendation of the Executive Board of the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County, Local 1230.

“We need tough, principled leadership to tackle the long-standing problem of inadequate fire protection coverage in the county,” said Vince Wells, President of the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County, Local 1230. “Diane Burgis is the only candidate for District Three we can trust to get the job done. She’s not just another politician – she has the proven competence and know-how necessary to improve fire protection services for every East County resident.”

Fire and emergency resources in East County are inadequate, leading to longer response times and lower quality fire and emergency services. Multiple district firehouses have closed due to a lack of proper funding.

“Diane Burgis is uniquely qualified to tackle the challenges our county faces,” said Shawn Welch, President of the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association. “Under her watch, Oakley was recognized as one of the safest cities in the state. As a city councilmember, she supported police so that they could do their jobs fighting crime. As a park director, she partnered with law enforcement to make sure every tax dollar was spent wisely. I and my fellow deputies are proud to stand with her this November.”

The Contra Costa Deputy Sheriffs Association is dedicated to the security and well-being of Contra Costa’s citizens and the protection of its 830+ employees. The United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County, Local 1230 includes over 450 firefighters from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, East Contra Costa County Fire District and various city fire departments. The Antioch Police Officers Association represents 120 police officers serving in the Antioch Police Department.

“Diane Burgis asks the right questions, listens closely to her constituents and then fights on their behalf,” said David Livingston, Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner. “I know I can count on her. She’s not one to pick political expediency over doing the right thing. She’s mastered the issues and demonstrated true skill as a leader, building coalitions and solving problems while putting a high priority on public safety.”

Diane Burgis currently serves as an East Bay Regional Parks District director and is the executive director of the Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed. Previously, she served as an Oakley city councilmember and spent over ten years as a small business owner. She highlights four priorities for her candidacy: improving public safety, attracting economic development, ensuring fiscal accountability and preserving the delta for future generations.

“Diane will work hard to develop the resources our police, firefighters and prosecutors need to keep us safe,” said Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson. “As a small business owner, nonprofit manager and public official, she has proven that she can balance a budget and defend taxpayers. I endorse her with no reservations – our county needs a real leader on the board.”

Diane Burgis is also endorsed by County Supervisor Mary Piepho, Assemblymember Joan Buchanan and a broad coalition of elected officials and leaders from every city and community in the district.

“I am honored by this extraordinary vote of confidence from our county’s bravest public servants,” said Diane Burgis, Candidate for Contra Costa County Supervisor in District Three. “I pledge to work collaboratively with our firefighters, sheriffs and every district resident to find effective solutions as we work together to improve public safety for all.”

Voters can learn more about her and her platform at www.dianeburgis.com.